CHAPTER 1

DESIGN BACKGROUND AND INTRODUCTION

The Electroencephalogram is the recording of the electrical activity of the

brain. EEG measurement is based on how the brain cells communicate by means

of electrical impulses, that can be detected with electrodes placed on a scalp. By

measuring EEG signals, it is possible to provide a psychological information in

real time. EEG can be recorded from the human brain by the placement of the

electrodes on the surface of the scalp, but the signals produced by the brain are

in the order of micro volts. EEG measures voltage fluctuations resulting from

ionic current within the neurons of the brain. Diagnostic applications generally

focus on the spectral content of EEG, that is, the type of neural oscillations that

can be observed in EEG signals.

Biofeedback usually involves measurement of a target biomedical variable

and relaying it to the user using one of two strategies.

1. Direct feedback regarding the measured variable, as in the case of

heart rate or heart rate variability, where a numerical value is displayed on a

wearable device, such as a watch,

2. Transformed feedback regarding the measured variable, where the

measurements are used to control an adaptive auditory signal, visual display or

tactile feedback method.

1
 In this process an individual learns how to voluntarily change physiological

activity in order to achieve better degree of concentration or relaxation. The

presentation of this information - often in conjunction with changes in thinking,

emotions, and behavior - supports desired physiological changes.

EEG biofeedback is a painless, non-invasive procedure. One or more

sensors are placed on the scalp, and one to each ear. The brain waves are

monitored by means of an amplifier and a computer-based instrument that

processes the signal and provides the proper feedback. With EEG involved, a

participant can get feedback information without the need to visualize and can

therefore directly focus on the self-training technique which can influence the

desired level of relaxation, concentration or attention.

EMOTIV is a bioinformatics company which produces wireless headpiece

devices that reads EEG signals. The EMOTIV Premium 0105586 is the headpiece

device that is highlighted in this paper. The function of this headpiece device is

to detect brain wave signals and display numerical values using the EMOTIV

software that is purchasable from the manufacturer. The headpiece is portable

and uses wireless connections to the computer. It is rechargeable using Internal

Lithium Polymer battery (640mAh) that can last from 6 to 12 hours continuously,

compatible with Windows, OSX, Linux, Android, and iOS platforms. It has 14

non-invasive electrodes that reads electroencephalograms (EEG) data off the

user’s brain. The electrodes are named as AF3, F7, F3, FC5, T7, P7, O1, O2, P8,

2
T8, FC6, F4, F8, and AF4. These electrodes need be hydrated using saline

solution for a better detectability and readability of the brain signals.

Manufacturers provide software development kit, that is, detectable Expressiv,

Affectiv and Cognitiv information by analyzing EEG signals with 14 electrodes.

Affectiv information is user’s affectivity condition information, for example,

vigilance, concentration, stimulation, interest, etc. Cognitiv is user’s cognitive

condition information; for example, pushing, pulling, lifting etc. Expressiv is

user’s expression condition information; for example, blinking eye, smiling,

laughing etc.

CUSTOMER

The client of the group is the Psychology Department of the School of

Social Sciences and Education (SSSE) of Mapúa University. The team coordinates

with the requirements of the client through Dr. Bernardino C. Ofalia, Basic

Studies Coordinator – Mapúa University Intramuros.

NEED

The School of Social Sciences and Education has been using their

biofeedback device for almost 4 years. Just as any device which is constantly

being used, despite proper care, the device is deteriorating due to oxidation as

the device is constantly in contact with the skin, scalp, and sweat. For these

3
reason, the device’s signal processing capabilities have become weaker and less

sensitive. It becomes hard to work with, especially in researches, as it produces

a less accurate results.

The client, as well, wants to know what the resulting brain voltage means,

whether these voltages corresponds to a specific brain activity, and finds the

software that comes with the Emotiv biofeedback device – specifically its user

interface – hard to understand, and hard to work with. The client wants a

software that is easier for them to understand and is user-friendly.

SOLUTION

The group proposes a solution by designing a device that works similarly

with the customer’s previous device but instead, uses only three (3) nodes on

each side of the brain (as per the client’s suggestion), and a software that

displays the result as a waveform which corresponds to the voltage values

acquired from these nodes. The brain wave signal, upon entering the electrode,

will pass through the amplified circuit producing an amplified and filtered signal

which is easier for the microcontroller to interpret. The group will also design a

wireless transmitter so that the data acquired will be passed on to the computer

where the designed software for the biofeedback device is installed, and it is

through this software that the data is to be interpreted. The result that will be

reflected in the software is the corresponding waveform, as well as the voltage

4
reading in each of the 3 pairs of electrodes labeled Frontal (for nodes F7 and

F8), Middle (T3 and T4), and Back (P3 and P4).

OBJECTIVE

This design aims to provide a biofeedback device with software which

provides a more accurate reading than the existing system using an amplifier

circuit specifically designed for the device. More specifically, this design aims to

[1] to design a six-stage amplification circuit that enables the device to read less

noise, more brainwave signals, [2] to use only three electrodes in each lateral

division of the brain to gather brain signals, and [3] to develop a program

application that will output necessary results.

Scope and Delimitation

This design will focus only on the amplification of the input brain wave

signals for biofeedback device, its transmission to an end device, and the

software development necessary to output instantaneous results. More

specifically, this design will not go into the specifics of the biofeedback machine

such as the logic of the machine and the signals which are processed in the

biofeedback device. The design will also not include the storage of the acquired

values.

5
DIFFERENTIATION

Table 1.1 Differentiation between proposed solution and Design of EEG

Amplification Circuit for Neonates

Brain Signal Amplifier for

Design of an
ElectroEncephaloGram
6-Channel EEG-Based
(EEG) Amplification
Circuit for Neonates
Biofeedback Headpiece
The circuit is built with an
instrumentation amplifier,
band-pass filter and a non-
inverting amplifier. The
The circuit is built with an
device uses an ATmega328
instrumentation amplifier,
microcontroller to convert the
Technology low pass filters, high pass
amplified and filtered signals
filters and operational
and uses Bluetooth
amplifiers.
technology to transfer these
signals to a device
(laptop/PC) where it can be
analyzed.
The device is used to gather The module is designed to
brain signals from a subject. amplify and filter EEG of
To be able to make the neonates in such a way
gathered signal to be that the difficulty of
Functionality amplified and filtered, it uses analysing neonates’ EEG
a six-stage amplification signals because of its low
circuit which amplies the amplitude and high
signal via instrumentation susceptibility to noise is
amplifier, notch filter, a high resolved.
6
 pass filter, low pass filter, and
a non-inverting amplifier. The
notch filters eliminate the
noise centered at 60 Hz which
is the biggest source of noise,
and the high pass and low
pass filters filter out the
reading from frequencies
below and above the desired
range of frequencies.
In this device, the data will be The amplification is done in
coming from a total of six (6) three stages, along with
electrodes, three (3) from necessary filtering stages.
Features
each lateral side of the brain. The instrumentation
The amplification is done in amplifier AD620 is the first
six stages, the stage and acts like the pre-
instrumentation amplifier, amplification stage. The
which increases the signals next two stages of
from the biofeedback device amplification are done after
with a low impedance then a the signal passes through a
notch filter which reduces a second order Butterworth
gain around a specific high pass filter with a cut-
frequency to cut out as much off frequency of 0.16 Hz to
interference, a high pass filter remove DC offset produced
which eliminates the voltage by skin and amplifier, and
from our galvanic skin second order Butterworth
response from our head, a low pass filter with a cut-
low pass filter to filter out off frequency of 50 Hz
readings above the desired which allows all the brain
7
 range of frequencies, then a
high pass filter and the non-
inverting amplifier which the
output is in phase with input
signal, and another notch
filter similar to the previously
waves to pass through and
used. The data is transferred
eliminates all noise that
from the biofeedback
might be introduced from
headpiece to a device
the power line.
(laptop/PC) with the software
installed wirelessly via
Bluetooth. The voltage
reading is displayed in the
software together with its
corresponding waveform.

BENEFITS

The system can provide a simpler mean of reading brain wave input

signals by only using three nodes. This design solution can solve the existing

problem of portability, and mobility that the client is encountering with their

device. Furthermore, this device will ensure a longer term of use for the client

providing them a device that will aid them in their research works which requires

brain signals especially in Sports Psychology.

8
 CHAPTER 2
REVIEW OF RELATED DESIGN LITERATURES AND STUDIES

The review of related design studies presents previous studies that will

help on creating the system needed for the design of the Brain Wave Amplifier

for 6-Channel EEG-Based Biofeedback Headpiece, and various researches for

Electroencephalography (EEG).

Electroencephalography (EEG)

Electroencephalography (EEG) is a method used in measuring the

electrical activity of the brain. This activity is generated by billions of nerve cells,

called neuron. Each neuron is connected to thousands of other neurons. The

signals from other neurons sum up in the receiving neuron and when this sum

exceeds a certain potential level called a threshold, the neuron fires nerve

impulse [1].

EEG can be recorded from the human brain by the placement of the

electrodes on the surface of the scalp, but the signals produced by the brain are

in the order of micro volts [2]. The wave ranges are evaluated by comparing

amplitude values between the left and the right hemispheres, and between

anterior and posterior parts of the brain [3].

Electrical impulses recorded from our brain is constant and vary only

based on the state of mind. In order to describe any sinusoidal wave, two

9
features must be known: the strength and frequency. It can be observed the

frequency range and voltage range for each brain wave.

International 10-20 Electrode System

The measurement technique is based on standard landmarks of the skull.

Namely, the nasion, inion, and the left and right preauricular points.

Figure 2.1 Lateral, superior, and frontal view of skull showing means of measurement

The 10-20 system is based on the relationship between the location of an

electrode and the underlying area of cerebral cortex [4]. Each point on Figure

2.1 indicates a possible electrode position. Each site has a letter (to identify the

lobe) and a number or another letter to identify the hemisphere location. The

letters F, T, C, P, and O stand for Frontal, Temporal, Central, Parietal and

Occipital. Even numbers (2,4,6,8) refer to the right hemisphere and odd numbers

10
(1,3,5,7) refer to the left hemisphere. The z refers to an electrode placed on the

midline. The smaller the number, the closer the position is to the midline [5][6].

Figure 2.2.1 is a single plane projection of the head indicating the position and

location of the Rolandic and Sylvian fissures. The outer circle was drawn at the

level of nasion an inion, while the inner circle represents the temporal line of

electrodes. On the other hand, Figure 2.2.2 is the modified electrode positioning

nomenclature which includes the terminology for the use of the additional

electrodes from the sagittal plane. These diagrams aid in the indication of

placement of electrodes during recordings [5].

Figure 2.2 (1) Single plane projection of all the standard placement of the electrodes (left);

(2) modified nomenclature (right)

In the paper “The ten-twenty electrode system of the International

Federation” by Klemm et al., there are four (4) established guidelines to

standardize the electron placement scheme on scalp used in EEG:

11
 1. The position of electrodes placed should be based on specific

measurements of standard skull land- marks. The measurements

should be proportional to the size and shape of the skull.

2. Adequate coverage of all parts of the head should be provided with

standard electrode placement.

3. Electrode designations would be expressed in terms of brain areas

covered rather than only in numbers. This would make

communications more meaningful to the non-specialist, as well as

workers in other laboratories.

4. Finally, anatomical studies would be carried out which would

provide additional documentation correlating the electrode

placement with the cortical areas which they record from.

The Cerebrum

The brain is one of the most complex organs of the human body; it is also

the main organ of the central nervous system which generates signals to enable

different parts of the body to do their specific functions [7]. The brain has three

main parts: the cerebrum, the cerebellum, and the brains stem. The cerebrum is

divided into two hemispheres: the left and right hemisphere and is divided into

four distinct lobes namely: the frontal lobe, parietal lobe, occipital lobe, and

temporal lobe which is illustrated at Figure 2.2. [8] Each of the lobe is

12
characterized by its own specific function. The functions of the lobes are

observed in Table 2.1. [9][10][11].

Figure 2.3 Two hemispheres, and four lobes of the brain

EEG basically measures the fluctuations in the voltage signals generated

by the firing of the neurons (order of micro-volts). The main advantage of EEG is

that it has very high time resolution, hence it is able to capture the cognitive

processes in the same time frame as the cognition occurs [12]. Cognition,

emotional and motor processes are normally fast. Most of the cognition

processes occur within ten to hundreds of a millisecond. The events that trigger

cognitive process occur in time sequences that span 100 of milliseconds to a few

seconds. [13]

13
Table 2.2 Functions of the different brain lobes
Brain Lobe Functions
Frontal Associated in planning, decision making, problem solving,
parts of speech, movement and emotions
Occipital Associated in visual processing
Parietal Associated in recognition, perception of stimuli, movement
orientation, number processing
Temporal Associated with perception and recognition of auditory
stimuli, memory, and speech

EEG Electrodes

EEG is used to monitor ictal and inter-ictal activity in seizure patients and

to assess cognitive processes during neuroscience and psychology experiments.

In addition, EEG is used in brain computer interface devices, which enable

command of an electronic device by brain activity modulation. Current EEG

systems can have as few as four electrodes or as many as 256 electrodes [14].

The main purpose of the channel selection process is threefold: (i) to reduce the

computational complexity of any processing task performed on EEG signals by

selecting the relevant channels and hence extracting the features of major

importance, (ii) to reduce the amount of overfitting that may arise due to the

utilization of unnecessary channels, for the purpose of improving the

performance, and (iii) to reduce the setup time in some applications [14]. In the

journal “How Many Electrodes Are Really Needed for EEG-Based Mobile Brain

Imaging?” by Lau et al., Increasing the number of EEG electrodes used is not

trivial, and the increase is not without drawbacks. For high-density EEG systems,

data processing can take a significant amount of time, even on large computing
14
clusters. In addition, more electrodes mean higher costs and more difficult

experimental setups. Lastly, in experimental setups involving movement and in

many real-world settings, wireless transmission of EEG signals is desirable.

Increasing the number of electrodes challenges existing wireless transmission

systems.

Uses of EMOTIV

Disabled people, who lost motor function and cognitive function due to

injuries in central nervous system, rely on means of assistance like remedial

helper. Using remedial helper causes high cost and a low degree of freedom

(DOF) in making decisions for patients themselves. In the case of individuals with

severe disabilities who can make autonomous decisions being, a study on bio-

signal application is actively worked in progress. Brain Computer Interface (BCI)

is convergence technology which enables HCI using Electroencephalography

(EEG). In the paper “Development BCI for Individuals with Severly Disability

using EMOTIV EEG Headset and Robot” by Jang wt al., the Emotiv headset

provide 2D-gyro sensor values and Expressiv information, so the user is able to

effectively control robot with only movement of neck and blinking eye, without

hand. Especially, user can easily collect Expressiv information using software

development kit, which is provided by manufacturer. Individuals with severe

15
disability can control robot by movement of neck, and blinking eye, which well

measures EEG signals in the prefrontal lobe.

In the paper “Designing a Brain Computer Interface Using EMOTIV

Headset and Programming Languages” by Zang et al., one particular BCI device

was used to develop a brain-computer interface to enable a user to interact back

and forth with a moving robot that turns ON and OFF the LED lights. In addition,

one major goal of this study is to integrate computer programming languages

(i.e., Java, C++, Snap!) into the BCI technology and bring this challenge to the

classroom. In addition, the EMOTIV brain computer interface was developed and

reinforced by using Java, C++ and Snap! programming languages to control the

Finch robot to act upon a set of selective commands given by the user.

There are three different kinds of accurate machine learning algorithms

offered by EMOTIV through the Xavier Control Panel: performance metrics, facial

expressions, and mental commands [15]. The mental commands feature, the

one used in the said paper, is an interface for the users to train the system to

recognize thought patterns related to various desired outcomes.

EEG Amplifier Requirements

Electrical signals produced by the brain are in the order of micro volts.

They must be magnified so that the voltage changes can be given enough power

16
to be graphically displayed either on paper or on a computer screen and made

compatible with devices such as displays, recorders, or A/D converters [16].

In the paper “Design of an ElectroEncephaloGram (EEG) Amplification

Circuit for Neonates” by Prasanna Kumar et al, they amplifier used for the

amplification of neonatal EEG should reject superimposed noise and interference

signals, and ensure protection from damages through voltage and current surges

for the patient and the electronic equipment. The EEG signals to be monitored

should not be influenced in any way by the amplifier. The measured signal

should not be distorted. The amplifier should provide the best possible

separation of signal and interferences. It also has to offer protection of the

patient from electric shock. The amplifier itself must be protected against

damages that might result from high input voltages as they occur during the

application of defibrillators or electrosurgical instrumentation.

EEG Amplifier Artifacts

EEG has the advantage of being easy to use as it doesn't require any

preparation, devices are comparatively lighter and shielded rooms are not

necessary. Despite these advantages, EEG is disturbed by excessive amounts of

interference, which are known as artifacts [1].

In the paper “Design of an ElectroEncephaloGram (EEG) Amplification

Circuit for Neonates” by Prasanna Kumar et al, stated that the aalysis of EEG

17
signals from neonates is a difficult task due to its very low amplitude (1μV to

100μV) and its susceptibility to noise from the below mentioned artifacts:

 50/60 Hz power line noise

 Impedance fluctuation

 Cable movements

 Broken wire contacts

The amplification and signal conditioning circuit designed in their paper

can be used to solve these problems with the help of suitable amplifiers, buffers

and filters implemented in the circuit.

Atmega328

Microcontrollers are the low-cost embedded system that control and

monitor different process but due to space limitation limited connectivity option

provided for data communication with personal computer (PC). The ATmega328

is an 8-bit microcontroller which has 28 pins, as shown in Figure 2.4, and

belongs from Atmel AVR family.

18
 Figure 2.4 Pin configuration of Atmega328

It is a computer on a chip or a single chip computer; high performance, low

power AVR 8-bit microcontroller, advanced RISC architecture, high endurance

non-volatile memory segments, peripheral features, I/O and packages, operating

voltage, low power consumption, another term is embedded microcontroller,

which tells that its support circuits are often built into or embedded in the

devices for control. It supports programmable serial Universal Synchronous

Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter (USART) and SPI serial interface that are

used in this system.

19
 CHAPTER 3

DESIGN PROCEDURES

In this section, the design procedures are discussed in detail which

includes the hardware development, software development, prototype

development, multiple design constraints, the impact of solution and the

engineering principles used in developing the device. Furthermore, a detailed

explanation on how the design was built and as well as data flow is presented.

The device to be designed for the client is an EEG-based biofeedback headpiece

whose amplifier circuit helps the device have a consistent reading.

A. Hardware Development

Design Process Flow

As shown in Figure 3.1, the design follows a strict procedure beginning

from the client’s requirements to provide the necessary solution to their needs.

After analyzing the requirements of the client, the designers will then gather

related literatures and works to provide necessary knowledge to grasp the nature

of the problem being solved. Furthermore, the related literature and works

provides the designers the basis of the design, allowing them to further improve

existing technological solutions.

20
Figure 3.1 Design Process Flow of the Biofeedback Headpiece Device

21
 The solution is then formulated and presented to the client for approval

whether the solution conforms to the requirements or if the design needs further

modification. Once the solution satisfies the client, the designers will then

proceed to the development of the hardware and software of the design

solution, conduct tests to determine whether the solution meets the objectives

and finally implementing the design.

Conceptual Framework

22
 INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT
 Amplification of
signal using 6
 EEG signal -stage amplifier  Numerical value
of the EEG signal
 Signal
transmission via  Corresponding
Bluetooth from waveforms of
headpiece to the numerical
computer values

Figure 3.2 Conceptual Framework of Brain Signal Amplifier

The conceptual framework shown on Figure 3.2 shows the IPO or input,

process and output of the design. There will only be one input and output for the

system which is the brain signal or the EEG signal coming from the electrodes of

the biofeedback headpiece device which is then displayed through a software.

The process involves the amplification of the input signal through a 6-stage
23
amplifier to increase the input and output gain, and to filter out unwanted signal

noises. The signal is then wirelessly transmitted through Bluetooth technology

from the headpiece device to the laptop computer. The signal in its numerical

value, and corresponding waveform is then displayed on the computer through a

software provided by the designers.

Block Diagram

Figure 3.3 System block diagram

The mode of data transmission that the system uses is through Bluetooth

which enables the system to have wireless capabilities thus allowing the subject

to freely move around without having wires wrapping around the subject. Figure

3.3 shows the block diagram of the system wherein the signal detected by the

electrode is fed to the signal amplifier. This signal is then wirelessly transmitted

through a Bluetooth module to the computer. The electrodes are powered by a

9V power supply while the signal amplifier circuit and Bluetooth module are

powered by a 5V power supply. The amplified signal is then finally fed into the

computer which is powered by its own power supply.

24
25
Schematic Diagram

10nF
1MΩ 100kΩ 220Ω
10µF
180kΩ 50 %
1kΩ
180kΩ Key=A
560Ω OUT 4OUT 25nF OUT 4OUT
1IN- 4IN- 1IN- 4IN-
U1 270kΩ 1IN+ 4IN+ 1IN+ 4IN+
Vcc+ Vcc- 100kΩ Vcc+ Vcc-
1 8 2IN+ 3IN+ 2IN+ 3IN+
Electrode -IN +Vs 2IN- 3IN- 100nF 2IN- 3IN-
Electrode +IN OUTPUT 2OUT 3OUT 2OUT 3OUT
-Vs REF
22kΩ 220nF 10µF TL084 TL084
AD620
12Ω
220nF 220kΩ
GND_Electrode
220Ω
Bluetooth 12Ω
HC-06 220nF 220nF
RESET A5
47kΩ
VCC TX
D0(RX) A4
10µF 220nF
GND RX
47kΩ 1N4007G
D1(TX) A3
+9V
D2 A2

LM7809CT LM7809CT D3(PWM) A1

LINE VREG LINE VREG LINE VREG D4 A0 10µF
VOLTAGE VOLTAGE VOLTAGE
VCC GND
COMMON COMMON COMMON
GND AREF
220nF 100nF 100nF 100nF 100kΩ
220nF 100nF XLAT1 AVCC 100kΩ 47nF
LM7805CT
16V XLAT2 D13
16V
D5(PWM) D12
-9V GND D6(PWM D11(PWM)
D7 D10(PWM)

16MHz D8 D9(PWM)
Crystal
ATmega328
22pF
22pF

Figure 3.4 Schematic Diagram of 6-Stage Signal Amplifier

26
 Figure 3.4 shows the connection and schematic diagram of the design

solution consisting of a power supply, instrumentation amplifier, notch filter, high

pass filter, low pass filter, non-inverting amplifier, 9V and 5V voltage regulator,

Bluetooth module and an ATmega328 Microcontroller. The instrumentation

amplifier increases amplitude of the signals which comes from the biofeedback

headpiece device. Two notch filters are used in the circuit – one at the

beginning, to remove interference before applying more gain to the circuit, and

one at the end to remove more noise acquired through the amplification – which

are centered at 60 Hz. The high pass filter filters out frequencies that are too

low, mostly interference from skin-contact. Low pass filter removes the data

above the frequencies needed as it contributes to noise in the data. Non-

inverting amplifier is the operational amplifier wherein the output is in phase with

the input signal. The HC-05 is a class 2 slave Bluetooth module that is

responsible for transmiting data to the laptop. The LM7805 voltage regulator

maintains a constant voltage level of 5V. Lastly, the ATmega328 Microcontroller

is the brain of the whole amplifier which controls the components connected to

it.

27
Isometric Diagram

The headpiece device will comprise of three electrodes in each side which

totals to six electrodes for the entire system as shown in Figure 3.5. There is a

button to turn the power of the headpiece on or off, a reset button to clear the

state of the system, and a pair button to establish Bluetooth connection between

the headpiece device and the laptop computer where it will connect. Figure 3.6

shows the locations of the buttons which is on the left side of the headpiece

device.

Figure 3.5 Perspective View of the headpiece

28
 Figure 3.6 Buttons of the headpiece

B. Software Development

The solution to the client’s problem will retain the use of Bluetooth

connectivity. However, the software that will be used to process the input signals

from the headpiece will be created by the designers and will be different from

the software used by the client which is the EMOTIV software to simplify the

interface for the client because one the complaints of the client about the

EMOTIV software is the confusing interface which is too complex for the client.

To solve the problem, the designers will be creating a software using Python

which is a programming language used in various programming applications such

as Raspberry Pi microcontroller programming. The software is responsible for the

processing of the input signals from the headpiece device that is then

29
transmitted through Bluetooth transmission to a laptop computer that will be

running the created program.

Figure 3.7 System Flowchart

Shown above in Figure 3.7 is the system flowchart wherein the signal

detected from the biofeedback headpiece device is amplified, transmitted via

30
Bluetooth. The final output of the system is displayed in numerical values and its

corresponding waveform, and push buttons to control the process.

Use Case Diagram

Figure 3.8 Use case diagram based on users

The use case above describes the headpiece based on its users. The

diagram consists of two actors, the client, and the subject. The client has three

use cases: connect the headpiece to the receiving device, which in our case is a

laptop, read the EEG signals acquired from the headpiece, and interpret the EEG

signals gathered. On the other hand, the subject has two use cases: wear the

headpiece properly ensuring that all the nodes are in its right position and

perform the test activities needed for the interpretation of EEG signals.

Graphical User Interface

31
 Figure 3.8 Connecting the device to the computer via Bluetooth

Figure 3.8 show how the program is initiated. It searches for the available

devices with Bluetooth capabilities nearby and presents them in a list wherein

each device has a corresponding number. The numbers are used in order to

select which device the program will connect to. When there are no Bluetooth

devices found, it will display an error as observed in Figure 3.9.

32
 Figure 3.9 Error when there are no Bluetooth devices found

On the other hand, when a device which is not the EEG Headpiece has been

selected, the error observed in Figure 3.10 will be displayed.

Figure 3.10 Error when attempting to connect to another device

33
When connectivity is established with the correct Bluetooth module as seen in

Figure 3.8, the EEG Headpiece GUI will be launched immediately.

Figure 3.11 GUI at standby

The graphical user interface as shown in Figure 3.11 comprises of a plot area for

each node pairs where the waveforms will be graphed, labels for each plot area,

numerical values for the voltage reading, a READ button which starts the reading

of data from the headpiece, and a STOP button which halts the reading of data.

34
 Figure 3.12 GUI during data acquisition

Halting the data from displaying in the GUI can be done at any time as observed

in Figure 3.12, as well as the output graph created from the per second voltage

reading of the brain signals.

35
C. Prototype Development

PCB Design

Figure 3.13 PCB Design

Figure 3.13 shows the design of the PCB. The design includes the layout

for the ATmega328 and its connection to the amplifier circuits. The three

identical layouts are the PCB design for the amplifier of each pair of nodes and

the unique among these is the PCB design for the ATmega328 microcontroller

and the voltage regulator.

36
PCB Component Diagram

Figure 3.14 PCB Component Diagram

The PCB component diagram on Figure 3.14 shows the interconnection of

the components. This illustrates the location of the components in the PCB layout

shown in Figure 3.13 and the floating holes where the EEG nodes and batteries

are connected.

37
Tabulated Bill of Materials
Table 3.1 Tabulated Bill of Materials

Item Description Specification Qty Unit Cost Total Cost

EEG Cups, Gold-
1 9 mm 10 Php 512.035 Php 5120.35
plated, Silver, Tin
JFET-Input Quad
2 Operational TL084CN 6 Php 28.00 Php 168.00
Amplifier DIP-14
Low Power
Instrumentation
3 AD620 3 Php 325.00 Php 975.00
Amplifier Amp DIP-
8
Gaoneng GNB 7.4V, 1550
4 2 Php 750.00 Php 1 500.00
110C LiPo Battery mAh
5 Ceramic Capacitor 10 nF 3 Php 0.50 Php 0.75
6 20 nF 4 Php 0.50 Php 2.00
7 47 nF 7 Php 0.50 Php 3.50
Tantalum
8 100 nF 3 Php 0.50 Php 0.75
Capacitor
9 220 nF 15 Php 0.50 Php 5.50
Electrolytic
10 1 µF 3 Php 0.50 Php 1.50
Capacitor
11 10 µF 9 Php 0.50 Php 4.50
12 1/4 W Resistor 12 Ω 6 Php 0.25 Php 4.50
13 220 Ω 6 Php 0.25 Php 1.50
14 560 Ω 3 Php 0.25 Php 16.50
15 22 kΩ 6 Php 0.25 Php 1.50
16 47 kΩ 3 Php 0.25 Php 0.75
17 100 kΩ 12 Php 0.25 Php 3.00
18 180 kΩ 6 Php 0.25 Php 1.50
19 220 kΩ 6 Php 0.25 Php 1.50
20 270 kΩ 6 Php 0.25 Php 1.50
21 1 MΩ 3 Php 0.25 Php 0.75
22 Potentiometer 1 kΩ 3 Php12.00 Php 36.00
23 Rectifier Diode 1N4007 3 Php 1.50 Ph 4.50
3-Terminal 1A
24 Positive 9 Volts LM7809 3 Php 20.00 Php 60.00
Regulator
3-Terminal 1A
25 Positive 5 Volts LM7805 1 Php 15.00 Php 15.00
Regulator
26 ATMega328 1 Php 158.00 Php 158.00

38
 Microcontroller
27 Crystal Oscillator 16MHz 1 Php 20.00 Php 20.00
28 DIP IC Socket 28-pins 1 Php 4.75 Php 4.75
29 DIP IC Socket 14-pins 6 Php 3.25 Php 19.50
30 DIP IC Socket 5-pins 3 Php 3.00 Php 9.00
3-pins, 40
31 Female Wafer cm, 2.54 2 Php 12.00 Php 24.00
mm pitch
3-pins, 2.54
32 Male Wafer 4 Php 3.50 Php 14.00
mm pitch
33 Bluetooth Module HC-05 1 Php 275.00 Php 275.00
Total: Php 8 448.359

Table 3.1 shows the tabulated bill of materials. This table reflects the description

and specification of the component, as well as its quantity, unit price, and the

total cost. The table only includes the cost of all the electrical components used

in the making of the prototype which amounted to a total of Php 8, 448.60

39
D. Multiple Design Constraints
Table 3.2 Decision Matrix for Identifying Multiple Constraints

(1-10)Health & Safety

(1-10)Economical

(1-10)Environmental

(1-10)Sustainability

(1-10)Political
(1-10)Ethical

(1-10)Social
Score Score Score Score Score Score Score
Weighting Factor
Design Solution
(1.0) Weighted
Score
Weighted
Score
Weighted
Score
Weighted
Score
Weighted
Score
Weighted
Score
Weighted
Score

The cost of modular parts 5 1 2 1 1 1 1

0.3 1.5
is expensive 0.3 0.6 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3
Cannot use pre- 5 1 1 1 3 3 1
programmed 0.2 1.0 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.6 0.6 0.2
microcontroller

Device durability 0.1 3 1 1 1 5 5 1

0.3 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.5 0.5 0.1
Power supply is needed 2 1 3 1 5 4 1
0.4
while being portable 0.8 0.4 0.4 0.4 2.0 1.6 0.4
Total Weighted
3.6 1.0 1.2 1.0 3.3 3.0 1.0
Score

40
Table 3.2 shows the Decision Matrix for Identifying Constraints using the Design

Solution. In our design solution, we have identified four constraints – cost of

modular parts, usage of ATmega328P, device durability, and device sensitivity

and evaluated it against seven criteria – economical, ethical, environmental,

social, sustainability, health and safety, and political. Each is constraint is graded

from 1 to 5 in terms of how well the criteria is applicable to it. The design

constraint whose total weighted score is above 3.0 is selected. Based on the

table shown above, the constraints of the design are economical, sustainability,

and health and safety. The economical constraint deals with the cost of

assembling the device, the sustainability constraint deals with the device

maintenance for operation, and the health and safety deals with how our device

is likely to be harmful to its users.

Table 3.3 Decision Matrix for Identifying Alternative Solution for

Economical Constraint for Cost of Components

components

Use secondhand
Buy locally
(1-10) available

components
(1-10)

Economical WEIGHTING FACTOR Score Score

Constraint (1.00) Weighted Score Weighted Score

3 5
Cost 0.5 2.5
1.5
5 2
Quality 0.5 2.5 1.0
TOTAL WEIGHTED 4.0 3.5

41
9 SCORE

Table 3.3 shows the decision matrix for identifying alternative solutions in terms

of economic constraint for buying components. The alternative solutions are to

buy locally available components and use secondhand components. Buying new

components are much more expensive than buying secondhand components. On

the other hand, brand new components give off a higher quality compared to the

already-used secondhand components.

Table 3.4 Decision Matrix for Identifying Alternative Solution for

Economical Constraint for Microcontroller UsedATmega328P

Arduino UNO

Raspberry Pi
PIC

WEIGHTING Score Score Score Score

Economical
FACTOR
Constraint Weighted Weighted Weighted Weighted
(1.00) Score Score Score Score

5 5 3 3
Cost 0.4 1.2 1.2
2.0 2.0
5
4 3 5
Performance 0.4 1.6 1.2 2.0 2.0
2
3 4 4
Ease of use 0.2 0.6 0.8
0.4 0.8
TOTAL WEIGHTED 3.6 4.0
4.2 4.0
SCORE

Table 3.4 shows the decision matrix for identifying alternative solutions in

terms of economic constraint for choosing the microcontroller to be used. The

42
alternative solutions are the ATmega328P, PIC, Arduino UNO, and Raspberry Pi.

Low-cost microprocessors such as ATmega328P and PIC can be used in this

design solution, but its performance and convenience in terms of use and

programming are lower compared that of Arduino Uno, and Raspberry Pi.

Table 3.5 Decision Matrix for Identifying Alternative Solution for

Sustainability Constraint for Power Supply

Design the system to be

sockets to power up the

Use disposable batteries
to power up the device
batteries as the power

device able to use the wall

supply of the device
Use rechargeable

Score Score Score

Sustainabilit WEIGHTING FACTOR
y Constraint (1.00) Weighted
Score
Weighted
Score
Weighted
Score

4 1.6 2 5
Battery life 0.4 0.8 2.0
5 5 1
Portability 0.4 2.0 2.0 0.4
4 3
Cost of 0.8 0.6 3
0.2
operation 0.6
TOTAL WEIGHTED 4.4 3.4
3.0
SCORE

Table 3.5 shows the decision matrix for identifying alternative solutions in

terms of sustainability constraint for the power supply. In terms of battery life,

plugging the device into a wall socket is the most ideal solution compared to

using rechargeable and disposable batteries since they must be

replaced/recharged once the power runs out. However, in terms of portability,

43
using batteries are more beneficial but the cost of replacing disposable batteries

once the power has been depleted is more expensive than using rechargeable

ones.

Table 3.6 Decision Matrix for Identifying Alternative Solution for

Sustainability for Device Durability

componentsshell casing for the

Provide 3D-printed
Use of swim cap as

device hard-shell casing

Provide a hard-
a casing for the

for the whole

system
nodes
Score Score Score
Sustainabilit WEIGHTING FACTOR
y Constraint (1.00) Weighted
Score
Weighted
Score
Weighted
Score

5 2 4
Cost 0.5 2.5 1.0 2.0
5 2 3
Convenience 0.5 2.5 1.0 1.5
TOTAL WEIGHTED
5.0 3.4 3.5
SCORE

Table 3.7 Decision Matrix for Identifying Alternative Solution for Health

and Safety for Device Durability

componentsshell casing for the
Provide 3D-printed
Use of swim cap as

device hard-shell casing

Provide a hard-
a casing for the

for the whole

system
nodes

Health and Score Score Score

WEIGHTING FACTOR
Safety
(1.00) Weighted Weighted Weighted
Constraint Score Score Score

44
 4
Functionality 0.5 5 4
2.0 2.5 2.0
3
5 5
Robustness 0.5 1.5 2.5 2.5
TOTAL WEIGHTED
3.5 5.0 5.0
SCORE

Table 3.6 and Table 3.7 shows the decision matrix for identifying

alternative solutions in terms of sustainability and health and safety for device

durability, respectively. The device needs to be encased to avoid the device from

breaking, specifically the loose wires from the nodes and the nodes itself since

these will be in direct contact to the user, and a well as the device components

to ensure that the device will be running and outputting results properly. One

proposed solution is to use swim cap as a casing for the nodes so that the nodes

will not be loosely dangling reducing its proneness to being broken, while the

other solutions are to provide a 3D-printed hard-shell casing for either the whole

device, or just for the system components.

Table 3.8 Multiple Design Constraints

Multiple Design
Trade Off Alternative Solution
Constraints
Buy brand new
components that are
locally available.
Economical: Expensive components
Buy secondhand
The cost of modular oftentimes give off
components that are still
parts is expensive better quality
in prime condition as to
not substitute the price
for performance.
Can’t use pre- Instead of using a pre- Use ATmega328P as the
programmed programmed microcontroller for the
microcontroller as a microcontroller, there device

45
 Use PIC as an
alternative
was a restriction of using microcontroller
cheaper microcontrollers Use Arduino UNO as an
requirement with less efficiency of alternative
solving other design microcontroller
constraints Use Raspberry Pi as an
alternative
microcontroller

The design was Use rechargeable

originally to have the
power supply of the
device connected to a
Sustainability: wall socket, but we need
Power Supply to make the device
portable so that the user
will be able to freely
move around while using
the headpiece
batteries as power
supply for the device
Use disposable batteries
to power up the device
Design the system to be
able to use the wall
sockets to power up the
device

The original design was

Use of swim cap as
to have a specifically 3D-
casing for the nodes
printed hard shell casing
for both the system
components, as well as
Provide a 3D-printed
the loose wires and
Device Durability hard-shell casing for the
nodes however,
whole device
producing and sourcing
3D-printed casing is very
expensive in terms of Provide a hard-shell
the initial casing, and for casing for the system
replacement components

Use of swim cap as

casing for the nodes
The device durability is
Provide a 3D-printed
lessened because of not
Health and Safety: hard-shell casing for the
providing hard shell
Device Durability whole device
casing for the loose wire
Provide a hard-shell
and nodes
casing for the system
components

46
 Table 3.7 shows the multiple constraints, trade-offs, and alternative

solution identified for the design solution. For the economic constraint for cost of

materials, it has been identified that the appropriate alternative solution is to buy

brand new components which are locally available as opposed to buying

secondhand components. Although secondhand components are much cheaper,

the quality of brand-new components are relatively better than used ones which

are prone to wear and tear. On the other hand, the microcontroller to be used is

the ATmega328P since it is a balance of price and performance. PIC is cheaper

but harder to program and has limited processing power compared to Arduino

UNO and Raspberry Pi.

To power the device, there are three alternative solutions given which are

to use rechargeable batteries, use disposable batteries, or use the wall socket to

power up the device. Using a rechargeable battery will allow the device to be

portable while saving money in replacing the batteries as like what you would do

when using disposable ones. However, rechargeable batteries will degrade as

time passes. Alternatively, powering the device using the wall socket will lose its

portability as the device is connected to the wall with a wire.

An alternative solution for ensuring device durability is the use a swim cap

as casing for the nodes. The cost and convenience of replacing this is cheaper

and easier compared to having a specially 3D-printed hard shell casing for the

whole device, or for the system components only but it is not efficient as the

other solutions in protecting the user for potential harm. The device, however,

47
uses a combination of two alternative solution namely the use of swim cap

casing for the nodes, and the hard-shell casing for the system components

taking into consideration the two constraint where these solutions are graded

across.

E. Impact of Design Solution

By providing this design solution, the client will be able to measure EEG

signals for use in their own studies by simply putting the device’s nodes onto the

subject’s head without contact issues on the scalp. Furthermore, the design

solution is a cheaper alternative because there are components that are locally

available thus, reproducing this design solution is more economical because of

cheaper price compared to the existing market products. This is when comparing

the total amount in the bill of materials we have provided compared to the

market price of other similar products which gives off the same output as our

device does. Environmentally, the design solution uses rechargeable batteries

which lessens e-waste by removing single use batteries.

F. Engineering Principles and Modern Engineering Tools

The designed prototype is the by-product of the application of multiple

engineering principles and modern engineering tools learned from different

courses. Below are the principles and tools applied in this design prototype.

Programming

 Python

48
 o Python is an interpreted, high-level, general purpose programing

language. The group used Python in programming the GUI.

 C Programming

Electronics

 Both the schematic and PCB layout for the electronic components was

designed using PCB Wizard.

Electrical

 In order to achieve a peak-to-peak voltage value of -7V to 7V, the power

supply was center-tapped to have a negative voltage value.

Modern Engineering Tools

 PCB Wizard

o PCB Wizard is an electronics program that covers all stages of

schematic designs and production of printed circuit boards. The

group used PCB Wizard to create the schematic and PCB layout of

the design prototype.

 Arduino Integrated Development Environment

o Arduino IDE was used to program the ATmega328 microcontroller.

49
 CHAPTER 4
TESTING, PRESENTATION, AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA

In this section, the necessary tests and interpretation of data as well as

the presentation of data gathered are discussed.

Connectivity Test

The purpose of this test is to determine whether the device’s Bluetooth

module successfully connects to the terminal. The connectivity test is vital to this

design project as the data from the headpiece is wirelessly transferred to the

terminal.

1. Power on the EEG headpiece by ensuring that the battery is

connected.

2. Enable Bluetooth connectivity to laptop terminal.

3. Open the EEG program and wait for automatic Bluetooth scan to finish.

4. Select the device’s name from the displayed list.

5. If the terminal does not give a reading prompt, the device is not

connected, otherwise the device is successfully connected to the

laptop computer terminal.

Data Acquisition Test

This test is to verify that the EEG device is detecting the EEG signals read

from the scalp of the human subject. It is also vital that this test is used to

50
ensure that the device is reading EEG signals and not noise signals. Four tables

are used for this test. One table shows the values that the device reads when it

is not worn, and the other tables are when the device is worn and the user is

engaging in a specific activity, in this case, answering a series of curated

questions which allows the triggers the use of different parts of the brain where

the EEG device gets its signal.

Table 4.1 shows the voltage reading acquired by the device for 20

seconds when it is not worn; these values are considered as floating values. It

can be observed that the changes in the values are erratic, which does not

describe any brain activity thus, these values are recorded from noise signals,

not from EEG signals.

51
Table 4.1 Table of values when EEG device is not worn

Value (mV)
Time (s) EEG A EEG B EEG C
1 2468.44 2434.224 2600.416
2 2492.88 2444.0 2537.096
3 2473.33 2434.224 2629.744
4 2468.44 2434.224 2512.432
5 2727.5 2531.984 2903.472
6 2507.54 2453.776 2551.536
7 2473.33 2434.224 2698.176
8 2468.44 2429.336 2527.096
9 2874.14 2595.528 3123.432
10 2531.98 2458.664 2595.528
11 2478.22 2439.112 2507.544
12 2468.44 2434.224 2502.656
13 2571.09 2478.216 2654.184
14 2483.1 2439.112 2517.32
15 2468.44 2429.336 2575.976
16 2468.44 2434.224 2507.544
17 2629.74 2449.768 2727.504
18 2492.88 2444.0 2527.096
19 2468.44 2434.224 2600.416
20 2468.44 2434.224 2507.544

On the other hand, tables 4.2.A-C show the voltage reading acquired for

20 seconds when worn, for 10 trials, wherein a different person is tested in each

trial. The data acquisition is divided into three activities: the first activity involves

each person to arrange from left to right in ascending order according to their

size three objects with different colors; the second activity involved each person

52
to solve three sets of Mathematical question, two of which are dictated while the

other one was written in a sheet of paper and was flashed, and have the

respondents answer out loud; the third activity involves each person

remembering the order of precedence of their answers in the first (color) and

second (numerical value) activity and say them alternately. The program starts

reading as the instructions are being given and stops at 20 seconds.

Table 4.2.A Table of values of Frontal nodes when EEG device is worn
Values (mV)
Time Trial Trial Trial Trial Trial Trial Trial Trial Trial Trial
(s) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
0 3345 2832 3162 3122 2874 2963 3302 2958 2948 2547.
.16 .11 .21 .52 .24 .88 .15 .35 .16 27
1 2846 3421 2864 2876 3485 3302 3509 3109 3419 3158.
.12 .21 .35 .39 .16 .67 .21 .24 .24 23
2 3452 2733 3435 2684 2945 2874 2891 2876 2716 2871.
.65 .26 .16 .49 .25 .95 .52 .44 .45 59
3 2812 3122 2765 3325 3374 3185 3492 3391 3218 3301.
.15 .65 .61 .86 .87 .77 .67 .75 .72 72
4 3513 3023 3611 2784 2705 2754 2954 2728 2696 2871.
.23 .53 .15 .52 .45 .28 .15 .15 .82 52
5 3142 2689 2865 3592 3281 3498 3129 3019 3504 2918.
.24 .48 .32 .76 .53 .64 .54 .57 .82 52
6 2735 2835 3047 3108 2987 3198 2911 3198 2919 2781.
.33 .55 .59 .25 .53 .21 .63 .25 .52 73
7 2846 2965 2842 2895 2765 3152 3010 2985 2847 3001.
.12 .31 .11 .34 .24 .64 .12 .36 .27 21
8 2354 2874 2761 2953 2875 2987 2857 2728 2771 2875.
.66 .24 .24 .25 .26 .35 .73 .52 .97 10
9 3124 3042 2976 3017 3004 2757 2996 3102 2985 3026.
.22 .30 .31 .26 .63 .46 .74 .95 .72 15
10 2811 2884 3106 3187 2935 2885 2864 2984 2856 2876.
.23 .65 .53 .23 .62 .64 .30 .17 .36 63
11 3254 3156 2963 2975 2857 3001 3019 2856 2758 2986.
.45 .46 .34 .41 .54 .42 .88 .34 .32 20
12 2983 2453 3021 3031 3015 3126 2977 2956 2957 3157.

53
 .32 .71 .54 .53 .87 .78 .44 .83 .21 26
13 2785 2955 2869 2891 2472 2908 2955 2756 2819 2891.
.24 .65 .62 .64 .21 .72 .86 .78 .28 62
14 2762 2765 2783 2798 2849 2897 3102 2958 2756 2718.
.11 .34 .85 .25 .32 .36 .94 .37 .19 32
15 2843 2846 2934 2626 2946 2785 2984 3182 2987 2856.
.32 .31 .62 .15 .43 .37 .17 .65 .25 71
16 3001 2946 2754 2874 3001 2939 2898 2865 2875 2819.
.21 .43 .98 .66 .23 .02 .16 .63 .63 71
17 2812 3042 2946 2783 2812 2853 2952 2957 2715 2621.
.32 .64 .68 .26 .35 .46 .63 .34 .34 51
18 2945 3125 2962 2986 2758 2763 3109 2781 2921 2877.
.53 .63 .88 .62 .62 .59 .32 .75 .53 43
19 2794 2831 2846 3019 2847 2983 2956 3012 2851 2756.
.24 .84 .31 .45 .37 .24 .37 .75 .65 62
20 2846 2986 2946 2935 2946 2855 2857 2948 2874 2918.
.22 .35 .43 .27 .43 .64 .34 .17 .33 57
Table 4.2.B Table of values of Middle nodes when EEG device is worn

Values (mV)
Time Trial Trial Trial Trial Trial Trial Trial Trial Trial Trial
(s) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
0 2849 2918 2819 3001 3056 2857 2991 2919 2867 3076
.56 .56 .57 .85 .13 .12 .75 .57 .37 .54
1 2787 2817 2918 3125 2881 2918 3001 3019 2915 2873
.35 .56 .57 .71 .97 .57 .95 .43 .73 .72
2 2982 2957 3008 2816 2981 3019 2857 3001 3008 2918
.72 .36 .24 .52 .75 .53 .71 .57 .52 .64
3 3019 3001 2719 2917 3011 2871 2985 2817 2991 3011
.25 .57 .52 .53 .63 .55 .67 .56 .74 .55
4 2865 2857 2958 3014 3003 2986 2784 2967 2868 2791
.33 .17 .17 .52 .26 .74 .36 .46 .43 .62
5 2746 2873 3067 2718 2918 3001 2856 2718 2756 2815
.25 .61 .32 .57 .57 .73 .73 .74 .87 .64
6 2617 2919 2857 2957 2878 2881 2781 2997 3016 2857
.17 .17 .61 .12 .32 .75 .54 .67 .34 .74
7 2991 3185 2987 3125 2781 2918 2816 3185 2984 2983
.85 .72 .51 .72 .76 .57 .43 .67 .43 .57
8 2857 2819 2718 2941 2968 3155 3001 2856 2767 2686
.16 .23 .11 .66 .76 .72 .67 .73 .23 .84
9 2718 2996 2919 2817 3067 2975 2963 3015 2916 2957
.57 .32 .57 .53 .31 .73 .74 .14 .84 .47
10 2918 2856 3011 2918 2986 2887 2775 2917 3019 3018

54
 .14 .56 .53 .72 .64 .43 .26 .73 .53 .35
11 2966 2885 2917 3035 2788 2683 2910 2887 2867 2966
.43 .63 .52 .20 .56 .64 .57 .63 .34 .36
12 2758 2956 2718 2968 2977 3157 3013 2843 2917 2840
.36 .35 .57 .73 .58 .31 .62 .65 .51 .06
13 2856 2756 2885 2756 3105 2886 2769 2715 2719 2877
.67 .32 .22 .64 .87 .76 .34 .73 .83 .64
14 2747 2893 3019 2659 2771 3397 2898 3301 2918 2603
.54 .73 .57 .38 .86 .51 .46 .85 .57 .77
15 2967 3391 2618 3548 3566 3151 3482 2915 3157 3288
.62 .78 .56 .27 .54 .56 .86 .17 .37 .31
16 3301 2756 3417 2768 2688 2686 2781 3510 2769 2816
.85 .19 .15 .83 .64 .37 .75 .84 .94 .48
17 2815 3488 2817 3172 3287 2768 2696 2782 3301 2768
.65 .21 .75 .65 .67 .84 .83 .76 .85 .36
18 2765 3061 3301 2883 2967 3376 3201 3195 2844 3386
.73 .75 .85 .67 .53 .54 .76 .64 .78 .52
19 3469 2796 3108 3487 3488 3063 2917 2696 3517 2981
.62 .72 .21 .12 .76 .26 .57 .48 .32 .76
20 2786 2856 2718 3091 2856 2896 2889 2891 3002 2792
.76 .54 .51 .75 .33 .53 .36 .76 .64 .76
Table 4.2.C Table of values of Back nodes when EEG device is worn

Values (mV)
Time Trial Trial Trial Trial Trial Trial Trial Trial Trial Trial
(s) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
0 2817 3019 2919 3019 2981 2891 2986 2814 2991 3012
.57 .85 .57 .58 .76 .75 .16 .86 .76 .52
1 2618 3157 2786 2881 2861 2789 3010 2978 2871 2891
.73 .17 .83 .76 .16 .15 .24 .36 .66 .63
2 2915 2817 2987 2994 3158 2981 2798 3008 3019 2909
.86 .67 .37 .57 .71 .76 .17 .72 .51 .16
3 2867 2985 3001 2691 2976 3001 2918 2776 2783 2789
.63 .61 .46 .86 .32 .65 .52 .87 .54 .81
4 3001 2781 2793 2837 2885 2886 2882 2981 2988 2909
.63 .67 .76 .67 .66 .76 .91 .67 .62 .17
5 2974 2918 2892 2949 2981 2991 2691 3018 3198 3007
.63 .76 .86 .27 .77 .76 .74 .93 .63 .81
6 2689 2599 2981 2778 2817 3001 3105 2698 3509 2878
.47 .57 .76 .37 .68 .62 .17 .18 .71 .77
7 3301 3401 2658 3109 2602 2618 2789 3310 2981 3361
.85 .86 .86 .37 .98 .76 .81 .46 .63 .22
8 2799 2886 3426 2898 3301 3367 3598 2891 3308 2898

55
 .36 .73 .72 .88 .86 .16 .71 .76 .63 .71
9 3501 2917 2791 3409 2898 2782 2981 3109 2786 3581
.85 .65 .74 .26 .71 .64 .63 .67 .65 .76
10 3109 2689 3109 2760 2607 3409 2717 2788 3316 2898
.63 .37 .72 .98 .24 .16 .66 .37 .83 .71
11 2991 3301 2691 3209 3409 3109 3219 3309 2984 3109
.76 .86 .76 .73 .76 .67 .26 .72 .61 .13
12 3498 2776 3301 2901 2891 2781 2981 2981 3019 2771
.81 .23 .67 .76 .86 .97 .76 .76 .21 .63
13 2781 3108 2981 2877 2971 3201 3409 3109 2681 3001
.76 .72 .76 .67 .65 .63 .91 .67 .76 .62
14 2976 2991 2894 3109 2798 3017 3109 2981 2981 2898
.37 .76 .63 .62 .87 .54 .61 .56 .47 .71
15 2876 2872 2618 2981 2913 2881 2781 2719 3019 2778
.63 .55 .68 .63 .98 .66 .77 .84 .16 .16
16 2946 2719 2798 2877 2747 2718 2746 2981 2898 2909
.54 .72 .36 .47 .16 .76 .63 .76 .17 .78
17 2953 2918 2998 2671 2889 2987 2986 2896 2883 2898
.27 .67 .16 .76 .17 .17 .73 .17 .66 .34
18 3031 3019 3015 2981 3006 2781 3011 3009 2776 2898
.75 .63 .64 .65 .92 .87 .59 .83 .16 .17
19 2855 3198 2981 2898 2949 2901 2891 2898 2987 2991
.27 .76 .76 .62 .33 .86 .76 .16 .74 .87
20 2917 2819 2899 2787 2846 2881 2919 2981 2898 2781
.68 .77 .67 .62 .63 .63 .65 .64 .73 .76

56
Analysis and Interpretation

To be able to interpret the voltage readings from Table 2.4.A-C, these readings

are compared to the functions of the different brain lobes in Table 2.1.

During the first part of the data gathering process, voltages from the Frontal

nodes spiked significantly and continued changing in a constant manner. It coincides

with the fact that the Frontal nodes is reading from nodes F7 and F8. A small spike in

voltage was observed in the Back node, while the ride and fall of voltage in the Middle

node was very minimal.

In the second part, voltage from the Back nodes spiked significantly and

continued changing in a constant manner. A small spike in voltage and a constant

change in the increase and decrease of voltage reading can be observed in both the

Middle (T3 and T4) and Frontal node (F7 and F8) as lobes these nodes represent were

involved in the activity done.

In the third part, the voltage from the Middle nodes increased significantly then

continued changing constantly. A small spike in the Frontal nodes were also observed

and there was no significant increase in voltage in the Back nodes.

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 CHAPTER 5
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

Conclusion

The group was able to create an EEG-based biofeedback headpiece which

amplifies the brain signals and transmits these signals to a device via Bluetooth. The

device can read brain signals from 3 pairs (6-channels) of nodes placed in three lobes

of the brain wherein each lobe has a specific function. The group observed that the

voltage readings acquired throughout the data gathering process coincides with the

theoretical data presented in the review of related literature.

Recommendation

For future works on a similar system, adding storage capabilities – physical or

cloud – for the device can be recommended. This allows the users/researchers to

access the readings previously acquired for a closer study. The group also recommends

that the circuit size to be reduced without compromising its capabilities to read small

voltage values with less noise, as well as making the device sweat-resistant or

waterproof. This enables the device to be used in a wider range of activity.

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